Whatever the conditions of "The Bull Ring" and whatever reasons the men had for mutiny, Percy Toplis of monocle fame, small-time crook and impostor (and, finally, convicted murderer) wasn't in Etaples at the time. Whatever the reason for the misidentification, whether it was another Percy Toplis in the mutiny or what, using a historical figure who played no part in the action as the hero of the show undercuts its credence. This is not to say a movie about the mutiny might not be valuable, or there shouldn't be a movie about the fascinating career of Percy Toplis, but combining the two is inaccurate. Some good actors (Timothy West, Cherie Lunghi, and Paul McGann bringing to life the flamboyant Toplis) help make it worth watching, but if you ever get a chance to see it, remember it's a work of fiction.
Review of The Monocled Mutineer
